Start the Weekend Right Link Series – Volume #4, Edition #3

In recognition of Holy Week and the arrival of the Easter season, this week I am posting some links that connect to this week’s religious nature. I hope that you enjoy reading them!

As always, though, before we get to this week’s links I again want to strongly recommend signing up for a free Feedly account. I get absolutely no kickback for promoting Feedly, but I am so appreciative of their product being the best RSS reader on the internet and I encourage everyone to use it. If you are using another RSS aggregator, please consider following JerseySmarts.com at http://www.jerseysmarts.com/feed/. If you are already on Feedly, then you can follow us by clicking here. Thanks!

Your Essential Guide to the Triduum, Busted Halo
You know Holy Thursday, which is when the priest washes the feet of parishioners. And I am sure you know about Good Friday, which is the day that Jesus Christ was crucified and killed on the cross. Then there is Holy Saturday, which is the day of the Easter Vigil leading into Easter Sunday. But did you know that Holy Thursday through Holy Saturday is known as the Easter Triduum? This link from the Busted Halo blog can help you better understand what the Easter Triduum means for the faith.

How to renew your spirit during Holy Week: Q&A with James Martin, Religious News Service
While I understand that this link series is being posted late in Holy Week, there is never a bad time to begin finding ways to reengage with your faith. Father James Martin, SJ is a well-known Catholic priest who specializes in evangelizing a contemporary population (that means everyday people like you and me). This link takes you to a very short interview transcript, but I think that you will be able to take pieces of it and consider how to apply the power of faith in your own life.

Lent/Easter Playlist, The Rabbit Room
Personally, I do not find myself listening to a lot of Christian inspirational music. To that extent, I enjoy listening to Owl City and other more mainstream artists who integrate positive religious themes into their songs. That does not mean that there are not some great Christian music artists out there and the list at this link can introduce you to some great music in this genre.

Bishop Barron on The Sacrament of Baptism, Word on Fire Blog
One of the great parts of the Easter season is the introduction of millions of new Catholic worldwide into the Church through the Rite of Christian Initiation (known as the “RCIA program” at most parishes). Many RCIA students go through the entire process on Holy Saturday at the Easter Vigil. By this I mean they are baptized, have their first Holy Communion, and are Confirmed during the ceremony. There is a short video at this link where Bishop Robert Barron talks about Baptism.

What’s the Difference Between a Bunny, a Rabbit and a Hare?, Dictionary.com Blog
Why not have a little bit of fun this Easter? While most of us celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ this weekend, there are many non-religious who celebrate the season by parading around with the Easter Bunny. Speaking of bunnies, do you know the differences between a rabbit, a bunny, and a hare? If not, then you can find out the differences in this Dictionary.com blog post.